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Conecuh Trail: South Section

Conecuh National Forest, Alabama · 3 min read

Distance
10 mi
Elevation Gain
100 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
4-5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
3 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Creek bottomland transition zones with swamp chestnut oak, sweetgum, and other bottomland hardwoods
  • Longleaf pine flatwoods south of Open Pond with active gopher tortoise populations
  • Sepulga River tributaries crossing through the southern section
  • Wild turkey and white-tailed deer common in the creek bottom sections
  • More wooded and sheltered character than the open savanna of the north section
riverwildlifewildflowers

Overview

The Conecuh Trail South Section covers the lower half of Conecuh National Forest's 20-mile National Recreation Trail, from the Open Pond Recreation Area south to the Florida state line. The terrain is similar in flatness to the north section but has more creek bottomland character, with Sepulga River tributaries crossing the route and denser streamside vegetation providing contrast to the open longleaf savanna of the northern miles.

This section is best done as the continuation of a full 20-mile traverse, or as a day hike from the Open Pond end. The creek bottomland sections are particularly good for wildlife viewing in early morning.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 4: Open Pond to Sepulga drainage. Leaving Open Pond, the trail passes through longleaf flatwoods and transitions to creek bottomland as it approaches the Sepulga River tributary network. The first 4 miles are the most ecologically diverse section, with the flatwoods and bottomland habitats alternating every half-mile or so.

Miles 4 to 7: Creek crossings. The trail crosses several Sepulga tributaries in this section. Crossings are typically easy (ankle deep or less) except in wet periods. The bottomland forest here is mature, with large trees and good cavity habitat for wood ducks and red-cockaded woodpeckers.

Miles 7 to 10: Southern flatwoods and state line. The final section returns to open longleaf flatwoods as the trail approaches the Florida state line. The trail ends at a forest road junction near the state line.

When to Hike

February through April: Best for wildflowers in the savanna sections and migrant warbler activity in the bottomland.

October and November: Good bird activity and comfortable temperatures.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water capacity. Creek crossings provide resupply opportunities but require treatment. Waterproof boots useful for the creek crossings.

Trailhead Access

Northern trailhead: Open Pond Recreation Area on FR-351 (paved, well-signed from US-29). Southern trailhead: off forest roads near the Alabama-Florida state line (use USFS Conecuh map). Shuttle from south end back to Andalusia takes about 30 minutes.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Flush restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water is available at the trailhead. Cell service is limited in this area; downloading offline maps before your visit is recommended.

The recommended season for this trail is October through April. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Conecuh National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

The water feature along this trail supports a range of wildlife; keep pets on leash near the water. Wildflower timing varies by year; spring and early summer are generally the peak bloom window. Wildlife is present throughout the forest. Maintain distance from any animals encountered on or near the trail.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

The Conecuh Trail: North Section covers the first half of the full route. The Open Pond Loop provides an easy lake walk from the same midpoint trailhead. See the full Conecuh National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles in this longleaf restoration area.

Trailhead Parking

Open Pond Recreation Area trailhead, southern starting point. Paved parking. Fee at recreation area (as of 2026). Southern end trailhead at Florida state line forest road pullout.

← Back to Conecuh National Forest

More Trails in Conecuh National Forest

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Blue Lake Trail

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Conecuh Trail: North Section

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Open Pond Loop

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Wiregrass Savanna Walk

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the south section differ from the north section?
The south section has more creek bottomland and is slightly less open than the north section's longleaf savanna. The creek corridors provide denser shade and different plant communities, with bottomland hardwoods replacing the open longleaf canopy in the wetter drainages. Wildlife is generally similar throughout, but the bottomland areas attract more wood ducks and herons.
Can I do the full 20-mile Conecuh Trail in one trip?
Yes, as a 2 to 3 day backpack. Most parties start at the northern trailhead and walk south to the Florida state line, with overnight camps at Open Pond (developed campsite available) or at dispersed sites along the route. No permit is required.
Is there water on the south section?
Creek crossings provide water throughout the south section, particularly from the Sepulga River tributaries in the lower miles. Water from natural sources requires treatment. The Open Pond Recreation Area at the north end of this section has treated water.